Method of and mechanism for applying stamps



July 25, 1950 A. J. MATTER 2,516,783

METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR APPLYING STAMPS F'le July 27, 1948 9 Sheets-Shea?l 1 A. J. MATTER METHOD oF AND MECHANISM FOR ,APPLYING STAMPS Filed July 27, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 25 1950 A. J. MATTER 2,516,783

METHOD 0F AND MECHANISM FOR APPLYING STAMPS Filed July 27, 1948 9 SheetsLSheet 5 July 25, 1950 A. J. MATTER METHOD oF AND MECHANISM. Foa APPLYINsTAuPs Filed July 21, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 July 25, 1950 A. J. MATTER METHOD oF AND MECHANISM' FOR APPLYING swaps Filed July 2v, 194s 9 sheets-sheet 5 wwf my, I

may@ 7 July 25, 1950 A. J. MATTER mamon oF AND MECHANISM FOR APPLYING swaps 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 27, 1948 adem.' Wdfb,

July 25,` 1950 A. J. MATTER mamon oF AND MECHANISM FOR APPLYING STAMPS Filed July 27, 1948 wem x July 25, I A. J. MATTER METHOD oF AND MECHANISM FOR APPLYING STAMPS Filed July 27, 194s n 9 sheets-sheet 8 July 25, 1950 A. J. MATTER METHOD' or AND MECHANISM FoR APPLYING STAMPS 9 Sheets-She't 9 Lyra 27 ,l l 0 Z2 I IJ 4 /f/ 2 2 2 x u. i f fi AWM C 72 efzz.'

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Patented July 25, 1950 METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR APPLYING STAMPS Albert J. Matter, Park-Ridge 111.. assignor to American Decalcomania 4Company, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of `Illinois Application July 27, 1948, Serial No. 40,888.

Claims. (01. 216-1) My invention relates to a method of applying stamps and a mechanism for use therewith.

Cigarettes are transported and sold in cardboardy cartons, each of which contains ten packages of twenty cigarettes each. Tax stamps, such as those associated with State sales taxes on cigarettes, must be applied to each individual package to satisfy the applicable laws. Since such stamps are frequently imposed by State or local governments and consequently are applied to a relatively small proportion of the total number of cigarette packages sold, it is not feasible to apply them at the factory and it is desirable to provide an eiicient method of applying them to cigarettes packed in cartons.

It is accordingly a general object of the present invention to provide an improved method of and means for applying stamps to packages contained in a jacket or carton.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of and means for applying stamps to packages contained in a jacket or carton and which is capable of receiving unopened cartons and delivering them in a sealed condition after being stamped.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of and means for applying stamps to packages contained in a jacket or carton and which embodies features of combination and arrangement rendering it simple and effective and suitable for high speed operations.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved means for stamping a plurality of packages contained in a carton and which is adapted to receive a single sealed carton and execute the required operations Without wastage of stamps or gluing fluid.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth in the appended claims. My invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a top yplan View of a complete machine incorporating the features of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric View of a package of the type capable of being received by the m-a- Ichine of Figure 1;

' Figures 3 to 9 are cross-sectional views of the package taken through axis 3 3, Figure 2, and showing the successive conditions assumed thereby during the stamp-applying operations;

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the mechanism of Figure 1; y

Figure 1l is a greatly enlarged fragmentary top .e plan View like Figure 1 but with parts removed to show more clearly the underlying elements;

Figure 12 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional View through the axis l2--l2, Figure 1;

Figure 13 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional View through the axis Ill-I3, Figure 1; y

Figure 14 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional View through the axis Ill- I 4, Figure 1;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view through the axis l5-I5, Figure 1;

Figure 16 is an enlarged fragmentary portion of Figure 10 with parts broken away to show more clearly the construction of otherwise hidden elements;

Figure 17 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view showing the mechanism provided to apply glue to the flap of the carton; and

Figures 18 to 21 are fragmentary cross-sectional views through the axes |8-I8, lll-J9, 20-20 and 2l-2l, Figure 1, respectively.

The general structure of a machine embodying the present invention and capable of performing the process thereof is shown in Figure 1. l machine incorporates a track-defining structure T, upon which the cartons of cigarettes are placed. This structure incorporates elements operative to impart step-by-step movements to the cartons to propel them from the right hand end, Figure 1, upon which Jthey are received, to the left hand end, wherethey may be removed.

y A tank F is mounted above the track T and includes elements operative to paint gluing fluid on successive pairs of cigarette packages as they travel by, A stamper mechanism, S, is located adjacent the tank F and operates to press a pair of stamps againstthe painted surfaces of the successive pairs of packages immediately after the painting operation. This mechanism incorporates stamp feedingand cutting elements in addition to the stamp pressing mechanism.

Motion is imparted to the movable elements of track T, tank F, and thestamping mechanism S by the motor M which is connected to these elemerits by means described-in further detail hereafter.

The stamping process t Before describing the detailed constructional features of the machine of Figure 1, the successive 3 steps in the process performed thereby, will be described with reference to Figure 1 to 10.

As shown in Figure 2, the carton of the type to which' the present invention is applicable is made of cardboard having top, end, and side walls enclosing a total of 10 packages, 20a, 20h, 20c, etc., positioned in an array of successive pairs. As shown best in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the top of the carton is closed by the tongue 22 which is received beneath the top wall member 24. The latter is held in position by suitable adhesive applied to the end lips 24a and 24h which anchors the same to the end walls ofthe carton. A spot of glue is also applied between tongue 22 and top wall member 24 near theelongitudinal center of the carton.

The carton C is manually inserted in the right hand end of the track T, Figure l. In this operation, the triangular knife 26 rides into the space between the tongue 22 and wall 24. The carton is then manually shiftedito the right hand end of the machine to cause the edge 26a of knife 26 to sever the connection between Wall 24 and the lip 24a, Figure 2. The carton is then manually shifted in the left hand direction to cause the edge 2Gb of knife 26 to sever the connection between wall 24 and the lip 24h, and separates tongue 22 from topwall member 24 at the glue spot.

When thewall 24 is severed' from lips 24a and 24h, this wall and the tongue 22 spring to a partially open position. Moreover, the moving elements of track' T take hold when the lip 24h has been severed and cause the'carton to progress in step-by-step movements in the left hand direction, Figure 1.

As the carton progresses in its travel, the prong 21 rides underneath the tongue 22 and the Wall 24. This prong is shaped to denne cam elements which guide the tongue 22 and wall 24 to the upright positions of Figure l` and subsequently to the open positionsof Figure.

Just prior to the time it reaches the operating position of tank F, the carton actuates a trigger which causes successive operating movements of the glue fluid Epainting mechanism in timed relation to the step-by-step movements of the carton. This causes each pair of packages successively to receive the spots of glue iiuid or solvent 28, Figure 6.

After travelling past the tank F, the tongue 22 of the carton C travels over the gluing roller I40a, Figure 10, which paints the lower face thereof with glue as indicated at 30, Figure 7.

Actuation of the trigger also causes the stamping mechanism S, Figure 1, to operate in timed relation to the Ystep-by-step movements of the carton, therebyapplying the Vstamps 32' to the spots of glue fluid as indicated in Figure 8.

Finally continued step-by-step movement of the carton C under the `action-of the track T'carries the carton to theguides or cams 34 and 36. The former folds the tongue 22 down against the packages in the carton and the latter foldsthe wall 24 down on that tongue. The glue 30' then cements these mem-bers ltogether' to define a closed carton of cigarette packages which may then be removed from themachine.

The track v l The track T is donned by Va pair of vertical guide Walls 38 and 40, Figures 1 and 12, which" snugly receive the carton C, as indicated in Figure 12. The bottom of the track is defined by the carriage 42, Figures 1 and 10. This carriage` comprises an elongated groove bar 42a, Figure 13,

having a succession of spaced carton-engaging pawls 42h, Figures 1 and 10.

The track T is supported by the cast frame 52 which receives the adjustable mounting bolts |42 which sustain the track. These bolts are received in suitable openings in the side support member 55, Figure 10, which member alsofdefines a pair of spaced tracks 55a and 55h which receive the rollers 43 which in turn support the movable bar 42a.

The construction of pawls 4212 may best be seen in theenlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of Figure 15. As shown, each pawl is held against the web portion of Y bar 42a by the screw 42o. The spring 42d is received between the pawl and the web portion of bar 42a and serves to bias the pawl-to the upper or engaging position. Movement of the pawl under this bias is limited by engagement with the headof screw 42e and engagement of the heel portion 42e of the pawl with the web portion of bar 42a.

Reciprocating movements are imparted to the bar 42a by the crank assembly 44, Figure 10. This assembly includes a crank arm 44a pivotally attached to the depending bracket 44brwhich is in turn attached to the bar 42a. At its other end, the crank arm 44a is pivotally attached to the wheel 44e.

The motor M imparts rotation to wheel 44c'by the mechanical connections which may be traced from motor M, through belt 46 to the pulley 49 which in turn rotates inner shaft 50 andwheel T executes reciprocating movements. If a carton is on the track T, the pawls 4217 immediatelyY thereunder are depressed by the weight thereof.

. However, the successive reciprocations of bar 42a cause the last pawl under the carton to snap upwardly on the extreme movement in the right hand direction of Figure 1. Upon subsequent movement to the left, this pawl engages the rear of the carton and pushes it forwardly in accord with the magnitude of the reciprocating move--` ments. Hence each reciprocating movement of the bar or carriage 42a imparts a predetermined movement to the carton, thus causing step-bystep carton movements.

Thecrank assembly yfill is dimensioned to cause reciprocations of bar 42a in accord with the center-tocenter spacing of the successive packages 20a, 20c, 20e, etc., in the carton C, Figure 2. Consequently, each step-by-step movement of the carton advances each package to the position previously assumed by the adjacent package.

The tank mechanism housing is supported from the upstanding xedi post 48 by the brackets 48a and 46h which have openings to receive that post. The compression. spring 5t bottoms against bracket 46h and the base 52 to bias'tank F to the position shown in Figure 12.

Successive downward shifting movements are imparted to the tank F by the rocker arm 54.

This arm is pivotally supported by shaft 56 and at end 54a rides on the lower bracket 46h as shown in thebroken-away portion of Figure 12. The adjusting screw 51 andlocking. nut51a provide control of the up and down movements of the tank iF.

The end 54h of rocker arm 54 is bifurcated and receives roller 54o which forms a cam follower for cam 58. Thev operation of this cam is described in further detail hereafter.

Successive downward movements of the tank F in response to movements of rocker arm 54 cause thefelt pads 60 to strike the tops ofthe cigarette packages 20a and 20h, Figure 12, thereby painting them with the gluing fluid or solvent.

Simultaneously, with the foregoing movement, additional gluing uid is released into the solvent applicators '62. As indicated in the broken away section of Figure 12, and in the cross-sectional view of Figure 16, these applicators comprise brass bodies to which the pads 60 are attached by plates 6| and which are bored to provide channels from tank 46 to the pads. Leakage of fluid from tank 46 to the applicators is prevented by the balls 64 which are biased upwardly by springs 64a and which mate with suitable annular seats formed in the upper portions of the channels.

The balls 64 are successively pushed away from the annular seats by action of the push rods 66. These shift downwardly relative to tank 46 in accord with the movements of the rocker arm 54, thereby entrapping luidin the channels 64b and moving -balls 64 by the resultant fluid presthe push rods 66 are produced by rocker arm 68 which is pivotally attached to the bracket 46c on tank 46 and which rests at end 68u. against the top of the post 48. The opposite end 68D of the rocker arm 68 bottoms against the bridge 10 connecting the two push rods 66.

The bridge 10 has openings snugly receiving rods 66 and is held thereon by the opposed nuts 1| which are threadedly received on these rods.

' sure against them. These shifting movements of The adjusting bolt 69 is received in end 68o of g. i

rocker arm 68 and is held in adjustment by jam nut 69a..

Since the `point of attachment to tank 46 is an intermediate point on arm 6B, the end 68h experiences downward movement relative to the tank 46 when the tank shifts downwardly. Consequently, a charge of gluing yfluid is forced through the passage 64b into the felt pad 60 each time the tank shifts downwardly.

The tank structure has no tendency to leak n The structure of the stamping mechanism may best be seen in the views of Figures 13 and 14'. The stamps are pressed against the tops of the cigarette packages 20a and 20h, Figure 14, by the hammer mechanism indicated generally at 12. This mechanism includes a pair of plungers 14 which are attached at their lower ends to a common head member 16.

The plungers 14 are received in suitableholes in the support arm 18 which projects from base or frame 52. At their upper ends, plungers 14 are connected by cross bar 80 against which the compression springs 82 bottom.

Up and down movements are imparted to ,plungers 'I4` by the rocket arm 84 which is pivotally supported at end 84a on the post 86, Figure 13, and at its intermediate portion 84h, the rocker arm 84 is pivotally attached to link 88 which is in turn pivotally attached to rocker arm 9.0 (Figure 19). l The center portion of the latter is pivotally supported from base 52 by shaft 52a and at end a it receives the roller 92 which rides on cam 94. i

When the link 88 is pulled downwardly under the action of rocker arm 90 riding on cam 94, the rocker arm 84 swings in the counter-clockwise direction and depresses the head 16 fof plungers 14 against the top of the packages 20a and 20h. As will be described in further' detail hereafter, a stamp is positioned over the portion of each package painted with solvent so that this action aiiixes a stamp to each package. f

The cam rocker arm 90 is held against cam 9 by the tension spring 9|, Figure 14, which is lat'- tached at its opposite ends to rockable arm 89 and the base 52. Arm 89 engages rocker arm 90 to hold the latter against cam 94.

The rocker arm 90 has an extended portion 90b which serves as the movable blade of a shears to cut the stamps in unison with the stamping action of the hammer mechanism 12. Portion 90b acts against the stripper plate 96 which is the fixed blade of the shears and which forms a table upon which the tapes forming the stamps rest as they rare fed underneath the plungers 12..A

The stamp feeding mechanism Stamps are fed underneath the plungers 12 and knife 90b by the ngers 98, Figures 1 and 16. These iingers are mounted in spaced positions on the sleeve |00 which is carried on rockable lever arm |02, Figure 16, which is pivotally supported from frame 52. A crank arm |03 is behind arm |02, Figure 16, and is mounted for rocking movements therewith under the driving action of link |04. The latter is connected to oscillating lever |06 as isv described in further detail hereafter. These elements are seen in enlarged top pla View in Figure 11.

The fingers 98 each ride on a tape made up of a succession of uncut stamps having central openings to receive these fingers. Each tape extends from a roll R, Figure 10, -supported on the arm |08. As indicated at |09, Figure 10, each tape extends from the roll R to the guide roller ||0 and then to the table 96 where it is engaged by the corresponding finger 98.

When the lever |06 is oscillated in timed sev quence with the movements of the packages being stamped, the lever arm |02, Figure 16; is rocked and the fingers 98 execute corresponding reciprocating movements. These ngers successively engage the spaced openings in the tapes |09, thereby shifting the tapes forwardly by the dis.- tance corresponding to one stamp andpositioning successive stamps under the knife 90a an the plungers 12.

The trigger mechanism In order to prevent loss ofstamps and gluing fluid and the jamming of the mechanism incident thereto, a trigger mechanism is provided to cause lthe operative elements to operate only when a carton is positioned for stamping. The construction of this trigger mechanism is best seen in the enlarged broken away top plan view of Figure 11. It is shown in elevation in Figure 16.

The trigger comprises a lever ||4 swingably mounted on the frame 52 and having the plate tends through the guide -38 to present an edge ||2a which is engaged byA a carton C as it travels alongthe track-T. 1At its opposite end, |'|-4b,the crank ||4 is attached tothe trip latch ||6 which is mounted in position to engage the tripping element of the clutch ||8 to release shaft |22 and avoid driving-the `same as the gear |20"is rotated.

The trigger is normally heldin the engaged position of Figure 11 by the spring l5 which is received on pin 5a of trigger ||4` and on pin |'5b which is held on frame 52.

The one revolution clutch ||8 may be any one of several types well known in the art. It may, for example, include a helical spring with a protuberance defining a trip element to engage the of the tank by the time period between successive operati'ons. u

The shaft |22 is driven from, the pulley 49 by the mechanism which-may be traced from pulley 49 to bevel gear. I3| to the mating bevel gear |'32 .and countershaft |34, Figure 14. Thelatter carries gear |39 which drives clutch ||'8 through gears |38 and |40. The sizes of these gears are proportioned relative .to each other to cause the shaft 22 to rotate .one revolution for each six revolutions of the shaft 50, thus causing one revlatch I6 to unwind the spring as the gear |20 :nl

olution of shaft 22 to correspond to six step-bystep forward `movements of the carton C.

The cam |28 receives the leverk |06 which in turn actuates thefeeding fingers 98, Figure 1l. For this purpose, the lever |06 has a sleeve |96a which rrolls freely on the surface of cam |28 and actuatesthe feeding fingers each time a protuberance on the cam rides under the sleeve. It will .be .observed from'Figure 11i-that the cam y. |28is positioned .to lead the cam 94 by approximatelyone-twelfth revolution. Thus the fingers tothe position of Figure 1l, where it again arrests movement of the protuberance of the clutch ||8. f

Thus when a carton C actuates the trigger I |2, the. shaft |22 is rotated at least one revolution and may continue rotation if the trigger ||2 is held in the actuated condition.

'Ihe trigger I4 and the latch |6 are supported by the linger |24 which forms a rest against which latch I6 bears when holding clutch in the disengaged position.

The drive mechanism.

The drive mechanism actuates the tank F, and thestamping mechanism S in timed sequence following actuation of trigger |14. This is accomplished bymeans of the cams 58, 94, |28 and |30. Cams 58, 94, and |28 are alike'and are attached to the shaft |22 to be rotated when the clutch ll8'is released. f y

The shape'of the cams 58, 94, and |28 is best seen in vFigure l2, which shows cam 58. As indicated each of these cams is divided into six segments, five of which have protuberances, these protuberances being indicated at 58a, 58h, 58e, 58d, and 58e. The cam segment not lhaving a protuberance which provides a dwell during which the cam produces no action. Cams 94 and |28 may `be seen in the views of Figures v14: andlB, respectively.

It will be observed that the cam 94 is delayed by one segment relative to the cam 58 when the shaft |22 is rotated in the direction of arrow |29, Figures'12 and 14. In other words, thev cam follower-54 rides on the protuberance 58a while follower 90a rides ona dwell. Then followerV 54 rides on protuberances 54h, 54o, 54d and 54e while follower 90a rides on protuberances 94a, 94h, 94e and 94d. Finally, follower 90a rides on protuberance 94e `while follower 54 rides free o any protuberances Y Since the tank F is .actuated each time the follower 54 travels over a protuberance, and knife 90b-and hammer 'l2 are simultaneously actuated each-time follower 90a travels over a protuberance, thetank T and theknife 99h and hammer 12, .each undergo a succession of ve equally spaced operations for each revolution-of shaft |22. However, theoperationszof the knife and hammersy are delayedin time from the operations irl:

68: are actuated and inject the stamps under knife 99m and the hammers 12 just prior to the simultaneous strokes of these latter elements.

The extending portion |0622 of the lever |06 receives thespring. |01, Figure 1, which urges that end of the .lever against cam |28.

YIt will be observed that the sequence of operations due to .each ofcams- |28, 94 and 58 is delayed relative to the timeof actuation trigger |'|4.by the time` required Vfor the packages to movey from the .trigger-to the points at which operations take place; Since the painting operation controlled by cam 58 is accomplished at the same point as trigger H4, as will be evident from'FigureY 16, the up and down movements of the tank F commence immediately after the trigger is actuated. However, since the plungers'14 are spacedfrom trigger ||4 by the center-tocenter distance of the .adjacent packages (and hence the distance `of one step in the movement of thepackagesithe cam |22 does not actuate theplungers 14 and knife 90b until the timerequired forzthis movement of the packages.. I. f

The function of cam |30, Figures 11 and 13, is to equalize thev countertorque on shaft |22 and to hold that shaft stationary when the clutch H8 is in the disengaged condition. To this end, cam |3'has van indentation |30a., Figure 13, in which the'carn follower V|32 rides as shownfin Figure 13. The-camfollower |32-is urged against cam |30 by the spring |34.

The carton gluing and folding mechanism Themechanism for gluingand folding the carton'C is shown in FigureslO and 17 to 2l. As shown is these views a supplementary glue tank |36 is mounted-adjacenttraok T and under the path of travel of tongue-22 of carton C. This tank has an elongated end portion .|36a open at the top and having opposite .notcheslab in the upper ends of the sidewalls to receive the support for .the glue applyingarm |3'|` This arm supports rollersjIllD and |40a which carry the glue in tank l freed for opening Inovementsby the triangular knife 26, Figures 1 and `20.- Thisrknife is mounted at the-proper height above track T to be received undery nap 2.4, thusrcuttinghat flap free when.

the carton is shifted tothe left, Figure 1, and then to the right to cause the edges 26a and 2Gb, respectively, to cut the carton.

As shown in Figure 18, the tongue 22 and the iiap 24 of carton C are opened up as that carton travels underneath the cam 21. Further forward movement causes tongue 22 to ride under the hood 29, Figures and 19, which holds that tongue against roller Mila as it travels thereover, thus applying glue to the bottom face of tongue 22 as the sequence of stamping operations is conducted on the packages therein by tank F and other -components of the mechanism.

The carton C then travels to cams 34 and 36, Figures 1 and 21, which refold tongue 22 and flap 24, respectively, to restore the carton to a closed condition.

The mechanism of the present invention may be adjusted to handle packages of greater size by lowering the track T and raising the knife 26 and the cam elements 26, 34 and 3B relativethereto. Track T may be conveniently lowered by shifting bolts |42 to the upper holes |44, Figure 10, in the frame structure provided for the track. This does not alter the throw ofthe crank 44 sufficiently to vary the operationof the track mechanism.

The gluing fluid in the tank F is a solvent suitable for use with cement or glue coated on the tape I 09. This solvent cooperates'with'the plastic sheet covering ony thepackages securell7 to affix the stamps to the packages. p

The fluid in tank |36 may be any mucilage or like material capable of holding the cardboard tongue 22 to the top Wall or flap 24 of the carton C to close the carton.

While I have shown and described a specic embodiment of the present invention it will, of course, be understood that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications and alternative constructions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In an apparatus for applying stamps to an array of adjacent packages held by a jacket open at one edge to expose said packages, conveyor means operative to propel said jacket in step-bystep forward movements corresponding to the center-to-center spacing of said packages in the direction of movement, means operative to paint said packages with gluing fluid as they successively stop at a predetermined point of movement, and mechanism operative to press stamps against said packages as they successively stop at a further point.

2. In an apparatus for applying stamps in a tape to an array of packages held by a jacket open at one edge to expose said packages, the improvement which comprises conveyor` means to propel said packages in step-by-step forward movements corresponding to the center-to-center spacing of said packages in the direction of movement, a stripper plate mounted above a predetermined point in the path of travel of said packages, mechanism operative in timed sequence with the movements of said conveyor to feed said stamps to said stripper plate, and means operative in timed sequence with said conveyor but delayed with respect to said mechanism simultaneously to cut said tape to sever individual stamps and to press said stamps against said packages.

3. In an apparatus for 'applying stamps to an array of packages held by a jacket open at one edge to expose said packages, conveyor means to propel said packages 'in step-by-step forward movements corresponding to the center-to-center spacing of said packages in the direction of movement, means operative to paint said packages with gluing uid as they successively stop at a predetermined point of movement, means to guide a tape of stamps to a point adjacent said packages as they stop at a predetermined' further point in their forward movement,` means operative in sequence with said conveyor'means to feed said stamps to said point, cutting means operative in sequence with said conveyor means to cut successive stamps from said tape, and mechanism operative to press said stamps against said packages as they stop at said last point.

4. In an apparatus of the type where an array of packages is bodily propelled in step-by-step movements along `a predetermined path, Va trigger positioned for actuation by said array of packages, means responsive to actuation of said trigger to execute operations on said packages at a predetermined point in the movement thereof, said means including elements operative to initiate a sequence of operations spaced in time by the said movements and equal in number to th packages in said array, the iirst of said move'- ments being delayed in time by the timerequired for said packages to travel from the position of said trigger to said predeterminedpoint.

5. In an apparatus of the type wherein a succession of operations vare performed on'each`v of an array of packages as the entire array is bodily propelled along a predetermined pathin'step-bystep movements, a trigger positioned to be actuated by said array as it travels pastapredetermined point in said path, vand a plurality of mechanisms at spaced points on said path operative in response to actuation of said trigger to execute said operations, each of said mechanisms being operative to execute a succession of said operations spaced in time by the said movements and equal in number to the number of packages of said array, the first operation of each of said mechanisms being delayed in time from the time of actuation of said trigger by the time necessary for said packages to travel from said i'lrst point to the point of action of the corresponding means.

6. In an apparatus of the type wherein an operation is executed on each of an array of packages as the entire array is bodily propelled along a predetermined path in step-by-step movements, a trigger positioned for actuation by said array vas it travels past a predetermined point in said path, a cam having a plurality of equally spaced operating segments equal in number to the number of packages in said array and spaced by a blanking segment, a cam follower operatively associated with said cam to be actuated upon travel over said operating segments, means to execute said operation on said packages as said follower is actuated, 'and means to rotate said cam over a full revolution upon actuation of said trigger, the blanking segment of said cam being positioned to delay said operations by the time required for said packages to travel from said trigger to said predetermined point and the 'angular distance between said operating segements thereof being such as to space said operations by the said iirst movements.

7. In an apparatus for applying stamps to an array of packages held by a jacket open at one edge to expose said packages, conveyor means to propel said jacket in step-by-step movements corresponding to the spacing of said packages, a

trigger 'positioned to be actuated when said jacket reaches a predetermined point yof movement, mechanism operative to paint said packages with gluing fluid at a predetermined point of movement, mechanism operative to press stamps against said packages at a predetermined further point of movement, and elements operative in response to actuation of said trigger to actuate each of said mechanisms in arsuccession of operations equal in number to the numberof packages in saidarray Vand spaccdin timein accord with the said step-by-step movements, the succession of operations initiated by said last means being delayedin'time from the actuation of said trigger in vaccord with' the distance between said trigger and the corresponding mechanisms.

8. In an apparatus forapplying stamps to an array of packages held by an enclosing jacket having a tongue at one edge which is opened `to expose said packages, conveyor means to propel said jacket along a predetermined path instep- Dy-step movements corresponding to the centerto-center spacing of said packages, means delining a cam surface to receive said nap-and open saidap at a predetermined point on said path and to close said flap at a later predetermined point on said path, means to lapply glue to said flap at a point intermediate said predetermined points, mechanism operative to paint said packages with gluing fluid as theysuccessively Istop at a predetermined point intermediate said :tirst predetermined points, and elements operative to press stamps against said packages at a predetermined point furtheralong said path of travel than said last predetermined point but intermediate said rst two predetermined points.

9. In a-machine for applying stamps in'a tape to a succession of packages travelling-past apredetermined point, the improvement which comprises a stripper plate adjacent said predetermined point, means to feed said tape across said plate in a succession of stepped movements, a knife operative in timed sequence with said last means to sever stamps from said tape, and means operative in unison with said knife to engage said severed stamps and press them against said packages.

10. In the method of applying stamps to an array of packages held in a jacket, the steps of propelling said jacket in step-by-step movements corresponding to the center-to-center spacing of said packages and along a predetermined path, painting said packages With gluing fluid as they successively pass a lpredetermined point oftravel, and pressing saidstamps against said .packages as they pass a predetermined later point of travel.

ALBERT J. MATTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 857,423 Trismen June 18,1907 894,891 Knapp et al Aug. 4, 1908 1,466,177 .Locke Aug. 28, 1923 1,736,935 Navarre Nov. 261929 2,062,900 Nagg Dec. 1, 1936 2,081,758 `Milmoe May 25, 1937 2,216,884 Kott Oct. 8, 1940 2,264,632 Gerlitzki Dec. 2, 1941 

